Photo: UCLA coach DeShaun Foster claps back at critics in unique way following awkward Big Ten Media Days

UCLA Bruins coach DeShaun Foster has a long association with the program, playing there before being selected in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He had two different stints, as a volunteer assistant and a running backs coach, before succeeding coach Chip Kelly who departed for the Ohio State offensive coordinator role in February.

During the recent Big Ten Media Days, Foster had an awkward opening during his allotted 15 minutes when he seemed not to have any content to speak about after declaring that they had departed the defunct Pac-12 for the B1G.

"I’m sure you guys don’t know too much about UCLA, our football program, but we’re in LA," Foster said, followed by a long pause. "It’s us and USC. We, umm... I’m just basically excited, really. That’s it."

He was roasted by fans on social media for his awkward press conference and DeShaun Foster decided to cheerfully respond with a unique t-shirt containing the words from his media days press conference, as posted on X:

"We're in LA," the t-shirt read.

DeShaun Foster shrugs off awkward press conference

DeShaun Foster is a certified UCLA Bruins legend setting several records during his collegiate career including rushing yards for a freshman, and in his last season, he earned All-American honors after rushing for 1,109 yards resulting in 12 touchdowns.

While speaking to reporters at the Big Ten Media Days, Foster shrugged off his shaky start and highlighted the difference between him and more polished coaches.

"I’ll probably get on Twitter and see some jokes later," Foster said. "I'm just not a rah, rah guy. You don't get any points for being rah-rah, but I played football. I didn't start coaching at 20. I played football in college at a high level. I got drafted playing football in the NFL for a few years at a high level and then I decided to coach.

"My path is way different than a lot of these other people who are coaching and up here doing all that stuff. Just like when I'm recruiting, it's not a pitch. Do you understand? I'm not a car salesman."

Foster has been on the staff of two former Bruins coaches, Jim Mora and Chip Kelly, and was even enshrined in UCLA's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

UCLA fans will hope that DeShaun Foster is already over his awkward press conference and continue Chip Kelly's upward trajectory and lead their team to greater heights in the Big Ten.